Welcome.....

        to the first U.K. web-site devoted solely to the interests of free-living wild boar in Britain. After an absence of more than 300 years, wild boar are roaming and breeding in the British countryside once again! For such a large mammal to become accidentally reintroduced into Britain in this day and age is a truly remarkable event, and absolutely fascinating to follow.

     A wild boar sow amongst the brambles in an East Sussex woodland. This population established over ten years ago. The boar have become completely nocturnal and very wary of people - a response to considerable hunting pressure. (© Martin Goulding)

     Wild boar in Devon. These boar in south Devon have only recently escaped from captivity, are not yet wary of people and are diurnal (active during daylight). Importantly, they have found suitable habitat in which to live. There is a second, more established population, in North Devon. (reproduced with permission)

     Wild boar in Hampshire. This boar is one of several that have only just escaped from captivity. They are not wary of people, are diurnal and somewhat confused. They have not found suitable habitat in which to live and are making a nuisance of themselves in a private garden. (reproduced with permission)

     A Forest of Dean wild boar. It has been several years now since their release in 2004. The boar in the main block of the Dean have not been hunted and thus have not developed a fear of people. For people and a species of wildlife to live so harmoniously is rare, as most species are inherently fearful of mankind. Unfortunately, as the Forestry Commission are shortly to start culling the Dean boar, this harmony will be short-lived. (Photo: Brian Davis,http://www.brianswildlifephotos.blogspot.com/ reproduced with permission)

This site.....

        has been created to increase awareness and understanding of this tremendously interesting animal. The site acts as a focal point for news, views and opinions on all issues concerning wild boar. Everyone is catered for, particularly students, conservationists, ecologists, historians and interested members of the public. We are non-judgemental, non-moralistic and simply report factually on all the issues surrounding Britain's returning wild boar population. We aim to educate but not patronise, and to inform but not sensationalise. There is no membership or membership fee because everyone is a member, and all information is free.

Breaking news (March 2008):

         On Thursday 6 march 2008 at Barnstable County Court, North Devon Council failed in their attempt to prosecute a farmer for farming wild boar without a Dangerous Wild Animals Act License. View a press report here: Wild yes, Dangerous no, Court rules in boar war This will have repercussions for wild boar farms throughout England. A similar verdict was reached in Scotland one year ago - view the Scottish press report here: Sheriff rules boars 'not so wild'

Latest news (February 2008):

        Defra have now announced their action plan concerning the wild boar in England (Wales and Scotland are not covered) - view it here 'Feral wild boar in England: An action plan'

The most important statement within the document reads: "Defra policy is that primary responsibility for feral wild boar management lies with local communities and individual landowners. However, Government will help facilitate this regional management through the provision of advice and guidance."

Actual footage of wild boar free-living in Devon can be viewed here. The resolution is only low, but you get a marvelous sense of the excitement, and the [amateur] camera man’s impromptu exclamation ‘I have never seen anything like that before’ is heart felt. How would you react? Unfortunately in Britain wild boar are only seen in bright daylight when they first escape. Inherently shy creatures, they quickly become nocturnal to avoid being shot, harassed or disturbed.